Originally from Salford, Greater Manchester, England, Simon Longmore is an actor, writer, producer, and director based in Vancouver, B.C. From a young age, Simon has always had a love for film. His first film experience was as an extra in Sylvester Stallone’s ‘Rocky 3’ and his first notable role came on the hit series ‘The X-Files’. Since then, he has appeared in numerous projects including Stargate: Atlantis, Supernatural, The Good Wife, Hell on Wheels, Bates Motel, and Arrow.
Since the mid-90s Simon has also been involved in teaching, providing workshops across North America and Europe, and founded the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1999. Directed by Cliff Skelton, his current project, Not Your Average Bear, tells the story of John Sullivan, a desperate man and the most unlikely of culprits, who pulls off a daring robbery. The short has been selected for 33 film festivals in 2020 so far and has already won over 17 awards and counting. It was a pleasure to catch up with Simon to discuss the project further.
Hi Simon, thank you for granting the interview. Congratulations on the success of Not Your Average Bear. I found it one of the most entertaining short films I’ve had the pleasure of watching. Before I ask some questions regarding the film, please share with our readers how you got into acting?
I just made the decision that I wanted to be an actor. At that time, I was only about 8 years old and it seemed like a good idea. I could be anything if I chose to be an actor. A fighter pilot, a fireman, a doctor, it didn’t matter. In my mind, I figured this was a logical choice. When I got into high school I started getting into drama programs quite intensively. I fell into the world of performing wholeheartedly. I had no plan, no idea how I was going to do it. I just had passion. That driving force has never left. Being an actor is just who and what I am.
You founded the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts in 1999 and taught over 10,000 actors since then. What is the secret behind its success?
I think the success of the studio comes from my ability to connect with people. I teach from a very grounded viewpoint. Something that everyone can connect to. As a coach, I was never anointed by the great authorities. I was never knighted by the gods of instruction. I just went out and started teaching, I didn’t ask for permission. Sharing my approach, my story, and people connected to that. My journey as an actor is only remarkable because I have always been relentless and my passion unkillable. From there, students began to have success. When that happens, other people want to see what it’s all about. 20 plus years later, I have so many students, and so many success stories I cannot keep track of them all.
Arguably, most artists, irrespective of their discipline never fully ‘turn off’ from observing and assessing work from an artistic angle. As an actor and veteran teacher of this artistry, do you find it difficult to watch a movie or TV series without a critical eye?
Yes. It’s hard to turn off your “actor brain”. I have to be honest most of the time it only triggers when things are usually bad. My mind turns on to coach mode.“Hey, you need to breathe, ground yourself, connect.” are often things that pop up. The other time is when the acting is so good. That’s when I switch on to “whooooaaaaaa! That’s so good…what are they doing?”. By and large, I usually am a normal viewer.
You’ve worked on numerous film and TV productions but which one has been the most fulfilling and why?
I have so many experiences that have been memorable. Working with actors who you grew up watching in films are great moments. To have a scene with Nic Cage was a highlight for sure. Also working with Judd Nelson was another. As an actor, you also get to do things that are fun. I once played this sleazy character and we shot scenes in a helicopter and a speedboat. I did some of my own stunts too. As an actor, those are the roles you dreamed of playing as a kid.
Please tell us more about Not Your Average Bear and what audiences can expect?
The film was shot in and around Vancouver, B.C. We shot the film over a period of 3 days. Our cast was brilliant. I pulled in favors from former students, current ones, and friends in the biz. Such as Kevin O’Grady, April Telek, and Reese Alexander. Adam Lolacher really did a superb job of producing the film. He pulled in some highly talented and skilled professionals. Our director, Cliff Skelton, flew up from LA to shoot it. Our DOP, Jay Kamal, squeezed in our film in-between shooting episodes of CW’s Batwoman. I scrimped and scraped favors and begged, borrowed, and stole everything we could to make this film. Many people worked for a cut-rate and we got a lot of deals on gear and equipment. Usually, something like this would have cost about $40,000. We managed to do it for much less.
It’s a very timely and relatable story, particularly when we look at the current economic and social challenges COVID brings, but what encouraged you to write this particular storyline?
This film is based on a real robbery that happened in Metrotown mall, in Burnaby B.C., back in the ’90s. I was always blown away by it. As a writer, you have to create some kind of reality or connection to the anti-hero. John Sullivan is a man who has the best of intentions. John is trying to do his best, be a good man but the circumstances of life are keeping him down. He isn’t a criminal, however, he commits a crime and we want him to get away with it. Most people are good-natured and I think audiences will connect with that. When times get tough people do the most unexpected things out of desperation.
John Sullivan is a fictitious character but there are many out there in his predicament. Do you feel society is at a turning point where more individuals will consider desperate measures? Equally, what do you think will be the long-term impact of the downturn, particularly for film, television, and the creative industries at large?
I think that a lot of people have already become very desperate. The desperate are screaming for change. Social media is currently echoing a lot of these very same sentiments that the character John Sullivan is feeling. I feel audiences will see that and connect with it.
I think with the current downturn people will search out new forms of entertainment. The internet has made huge changes in the way people watch TV. Actually, do they even watch TV? They watch their phone, their tablet, their laptop. TV and the 3 big networks of yesteryear are no longer the only way to be entertained. With that, content and media will find a new way to get to the masses. Quibi is a perfect example or TikTok. People will create new ways to connect.
What other projects should we look forward to seeing you involved in?
I have various projects in various stages of development. I am auditioning regularly. I have an average of 2-3 auditions a week. All of them have been self-tapes as the old in-person auditions are not happening now.
Where will we find out more information about you?
You can follow me on Facebook or on IMDB, and Not Your Average Bear will be screening at numerous festivals in the coming months including; the Edmonton International Film Festival, Ontario International Film Festival, Quinte Film Festival, Ottawa Film Festival, New West Festival, Great Northern International Film Festival, Canada, YES! Let’s make a Movie Festival, and the Edmonton Short Film Festival.
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